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New York Times • Kenneth Chang

NASA/Katalyst to launch a Swift Observatory orbital-rescue mission using an air-launched Pegasus XL from the final operational L

NASA and Katalyst Space Technologies are set to launch an orbital servicing mission on June 30, 2026, targeting the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory’s atmospheric decay. The plan calls for a Pegasus XL rocket air-launched from the Lockheed L-1011 TriStar Stargazer, with the final L-1011 departure scheduled from Kwajalein Atoll.

2026-06-29T10:55:39.248124-07:00

SpaceWatch Global

Rocket Lab to buy Iridium Communications for $8B in cash-and-stock deal to build an end-to-end satellite services network

2026-06-29T00:06:44.285921-07:00

Reuters

Malaysia extends Ocean Infinity contract to keep MH370 wreck search running through June 2027

2026-06-29T01:25:31.869783-07:00

SpaceNews.com

SatVu restarts commercial operations with HotSat-2 after 2023 in-orbit failure

2026-06-29T04:25:17.136852-07:00

News Timeline

New York Times

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NASA/Katalyst to launch a Swift Observatory orbital-rescue mission using an air-launched Pegasus XL from the final operational L NASA and Katalyst Space Technologies are set to launch an orbital servicing mission on June 30, 2026, targeting the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory’s atmospheric decay. The plan calls for a Pegasus XL rocket air-launched from the Lockheed L-1011 TriStar Stargazer, with the final L-1011 departure scheduled from Kwajalein Atoll.

2026-06-29T10:55:39.248124-07:00

NASA/Katalyst to launch a Swift Observatory orbital-rescue mission using an air-launched Pegasus XL from the final operational L

SpaceNews.com

SatVu restarts commercial operations with HotSat-2 after 2023 in-orbit failure UK thermal-imaging startup SatVu has begun commercial services for HotSat-2 on June 29, resuming revenue generation after the debut HotSat mission failed in low Earth orbit in 2023. HotSat-2’s rollout signals the company’s path back to market with its Earth-observation product.

2026-06-29T04:25:17.136852-07:00

SatVu restarts commercial operations with HotSat-2 after 2023 in-orbit failure

Bloomberg

Creotech CEO: SpaceX’s blockbuster valuation could spur a wave of space-tech listings on Poland’s Warsaw exchange Poland’s top satellite firm head, Creotech CEO, says SpaceX’s soaring valuation is already influencing European capital markets and could catalyze new space-technology IPOs on the Warsaw stock exchange. The potential listings are framed as a spillover effect from strong defense-linked space demand.

2026-06-29T02:10:17.565895-07:00

Creotech CEO: SpaceX’s blockbuster valuation could spur a wave of space-tech listings on Poland’s Warsaw exchange

SpaceNews.com

China launches a national VLEO industry alliance as satellites sustain sub-300km operations China has established a national Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) industry alliance, backed by recent evidence that satellites are demonstrating sustained operations below 300km. The move also reflects growing investment interest in propulsion startups aimed at making low-orbit operations more viable.

2026-06-29T02:04:09.779514-07:00

China launches a national VLEO industry alliance as satellites sustain sub-300km operations

Space Intel Report

Germany’s new space window opens for orbit-proven startups as Reflex Aerospace raises capital A Berlin-based “New Space” company case study—Reflex Aerospace—underscores why Germany may be particularly attractive now: the market rewards in-orbit performance, hardware credibility, and demonstrable fundraising ability after flight heritage. The takeaway is that capital access increasingly follows proven space results.

2026-06-29T01:28:03.024891-07:00

Germany’s new space window opens for orbit-proven startups as Reflex Aerospace raises capital

Reuters

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Malaysia extends Ocean Infinity contract to keep MH370 wreck search running through June 2027 Malaysia has extended its contract with deep-sea specialist Ocean Infinity for another year to continue the search for the wreckage of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 in the Indian Ocean. The extension is set to run until 30 June 2027, reflecting the government’s commitment to provide closure for families.

2026-06-29T01:25:31.869783-07:00

Malaysia extends Ocean Infinity contract to keep MH370 wreck search running through June 2027

SpaceWatch Global

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Rocket Lab to buy Iridium Communications for $8B in cash-and-stock deal to build an end-to-end satellite services network Rocket Lab agreed to acquire Iridium Communications in a cash-and-stock transaction valued at about $8 billion—at $54 per share—aiming to expand into satellite telecommunications services and challenge SpaceX’s Starlink. The deal would give Rocket Lab control of Iridium’s satellite fleet and access to wireless resources to compete in space-based connectivity.

2026-06-29T00:06:44.285921-07:00

Rocket Lab to buy Iridium Communications for $8B in cash-and-stock deal to build an end-to-end satellite services network

European Spaceflight

The Exploration Company recruits Nyx Crew team in Houston, signaling a US development base The Exploration Company says it has opened three vacancies for its Nyx Crew effort in Houston. The hiring indicates plans to build out a US development base supporting work on its Nyx Crew vehicle, with staffing positioned around the crew system’s next phase.

2026-06-28T23:06:43.691055-07:00

The Exploration Company recruits Nyx Crew team in Houston, signaling a US development base

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Commercial Space News

NASA/Katalyst to launch a Swift Observatory orbital-rescue mission using an air-launched Pegasus XL from the final operational L

Rocket Lab to buy Iridium Communications for $8B in cash-and-stock deal to build an end-to-end satellite services network

Malaysia extends Ocean Infinity contract to keep MH370 wreck search running through June 2027

SatVu restarts commercial operations with HotSat-2 after 2023 in-orbit failure

News Timeline